Terms of Service

1. About Sealward

Sealward (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a document authentication service that facilitates US apostille requests through the US Department of State Office of Authentications and each state’s Secretary of State. By submitting a request through www.sealward.com you agree to these Terms of Service.

Sealward provides document processing services, not legal advice. If you need legal guidance, consult a licensed attorney.

2. Service description

Sealward accepts your US-issued documents, determines the correct authentication path (federal or state apostille), submits them to the appropriate government authority, and returns the authenticated originals to you by tracked courier. We also coordinate digital (e-Apostille) delivery where supported by the issuing authority and destination country.

Sealward is a private third-party service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting as an agent of the US Department of State, any Secretary of State, or any other government body.

3. Order process

Submitting a request form does not constitute a binding order. After you submit your request, our team reviews your document(s) and sends you a detailed quote. You only enter into a service agreement — and are only charged — after you review and approve the quote.

4. Payment terms

Payment is due in full upon quote approval. We accept credit and debit cards via Stripe, PayPal, cards and local payment methods via Adyen, and bank transfer (ACH/wire). For bank transfer orders, processing begins only after funds are confirmed received.

Prices are quoted in US dollars and include our service fee. Government apostille fees, courier fees, and any applicable expedite fees are itemized separately in your quote.

5. Refund policy

You may cancel your order for a full refund before your documents have been submitted to the relevant government authority. Once submission has occurred, our service fee is non-refundable. Government fees paid to a Secretary of State or the US Department of State are non-refundable under any circumstances, as they are collected directly by those agencies.

To request a cancellation or refund, contact contact@sealward.com with your order reference number.

6. Turnaround time

Turnaround times are estimates based on current government processing schedules and are not guaranteed. Government agencies set their own processing windows, which can change without notice. Typical estimates:

• State apostille (standard): 5–10 business days
• State apostille (expedited): 1–3 business days (where available)
• Federal apostille — US Department of State (standard): 8–12 weeks
• Federal apostille — US Department of State (expedited): approximately 5–9 weeks
• FBI Identity History Summary: 3–4 months (FBI processing; separate from apostille step)

Sealward is not liable for delays caused by government agencies, courier services, force majeure events, or incomplete or incorrect documents submitted by the client.

7. Client responsibilities

You are responsible for ensuring that the documents you submit are genuine, complete, and in the condition required by the issuing authority. Submitting fraudulent, altered, or incomplete documents may result in rejection by the government authority with no refund of government fees. Sealward is not responsible for delays or rejections caused by document deficiencies that were not disclosed at the time of order.

8. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Sealward’s total liability for any claim arising out of or related to these Terms or our services is limited to the amount you paid for the specific order giving rise to the claim.

Sealward is not liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of visa applications, travel plans, business transactions, or other downstream consequences of apostille delays or rejections.

9. Governing law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the District of Columbia, United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any disputes will be resolved in the courts of the District of Columbia.

10. Changes to these Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

11. Contact

Questions about these Terms? Email us at contact@sealward.com.